Powered wheelchair user survey 2014

People who want to get a powered wheelchair face a variety of problems, Rica's 2014 powered wheelchair user survey report shows. These difficulties include getting information and assessments, finding funding, and supply and repair services.Download the survey report here (PDF)

The survey

Between April and July 2014 Rica surveyed 341 disabled people, asking them for their views and experiences of choosing, funding and maintaining a powered wheelchair. Another 23 people who hadn't been able to secure funding for a powered wheelchair completed part of the survey.

Rica asked disabled people about:

getting information and advice on choosing a powered wheelchair

the assessment process

funding for a powered wheelchair

maintenance and after-sales service

any barriers they experienced

Results

The answers show that:

almost all had problems in getting a powered wheelchair

many had problems in several areas

the information on powered wheelchairs is unsatisfactory

many users, including those getting a powered wheelchair for the first time, didn't have an assessment

most powered wheelchairs are paid for, partly or fully, by the user

only half of the powered wheelchairs in the survey are seen as good value for money

users found maintaining their wheelchairs expensive, with delays in getting equipment repaired and difficulties in getting parts